News and Events
- The library offers several genealogy classes throughout the year.
- Sign up for the monthly genealogy newsletter to stay informed about genealogy news, services, and programs.
Genealogy Databases
American Ancestors

American Ancestors provides access to billions of records spanning the United States, the British Isles, continental Europe, and beyond, including one of the most extensive online collections of early American genealogical records, and t
Ancestry Library

Access over a billion names in hundreds of databases, including U.S. Census records (1790-1930); military records; court, land and probate records; vital and church records; directories and passenger lists.
Chicago Tribune - Historical (1849-1997)

This historical newspaper provides genealogists, researchers and scholars with online, easily searchable first-hand accounts and unparalleled coverage of the politics, society and events of the time.
FamilySearch.org

Genealogical records from one of the largest genealogy organizations in the country. Creation of a free personal account is required. The Ela Library is a FamilySearch Affiliate. Some content is only available inside the library.
Fold3

Provides convenient access to military records, including the stories, photos, and personal documents of the men and women who served. Offers a wealth of searchable original documents for genealogists.
Heritage Quest

Access the U.S. Federal Census (1790-1950), Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application Files, Freedman's Bank records, will and probate records, U.S. city and county directories, a digitized book collection, and more.
Genealogy Resources
- Ela Genealogy Programs
- ConferenceKeeper
- FamilySearch Learning Center (see list of current classes)
- Gale Courses: Genealogy Basics (Ela Library cardholders only)
- RootsTech Library
FamilySearch Centers are branches of the Family History Library, a nonprofit organization based in Salt Lake City, Utah, and run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You can visit a FamilySearch Center to receive free personalized help from local volunteers, search genealogy databases, and get special access to FamilySearch records.
Find a FamilySearch Center near you.